First aid kit

ABSTRACT

The invention, in an aspect, relates generally to a surface adapted to be worn by a user which provides one or more compartments to store one or more supplies. More particularly, in an aspect, the invention provides a first-aid kit, which can be single or multi use, made of a strong, flexible, waterproof and lightweight material that can be worn on the forearm of user. The first aid kit can be secured to the user via Velcro, an elastic band or other securing device, method or means that enables the kit provide easy access to all of the supplies required to assist an injured person. The kit can have one or more different, various sized compartments to carry at least one or more of gauze pads, q-tips, petroleum jelly, surgical gloves, antibiotic pads, small cylinders or other supplies. In addition, in an aspect, one or more compartments can be provided to carry supplies which have a one way flow valve to extract medicine required to stop bleeding, swelling or other injuries. In accordance with another aspect, the kit provides for securing articles to the kit via one or more magnets. Furthermore, in an aspect, the invention provides for securing one or more electronic devices, articles or supplies to the user.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/065,814, filed Feb. 19, 2008.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention, in an aspect, relates generally to a wearable article that can secure, store and provide one or more supplies. More particularly, in another aspect, the invention relates to a first aid kit that can be worn on the forearm or wrist of a user and be used for cleaning, medicating and/or covering a multitude of injuries, wherein the kit is compact, lightweight and contains one or more compartments and/or storage areas.

2. Background

First aid kits generally contain the item or items necessary for treating a single wound or a variety of wounds. A deficiency exists in that first aid kits can be heavy and bulky, due to the quantity and type of items included therein, or they may not contain the items necessary at a particular time. In addition, first aid kits are stored in locations that may be unsanitary and do not provide for efficient and quick access to first aid items. For example, a user's car, home or pocket. Injuries should be treated in an efficient, convenient and sanitary manner as soon as possible to prevent infection, or other complications.

As an example, in the profession of boxing and professional fighting a reoccurring problem exists in the inefficient and unsanitary nature in which first aid is employed by a cornerman during the breaks provided between rounds. For example, a cornerman may use items such as q-tips, towels, tissues and gauze pads to attend to a fighter's wounds. However, because these items are conventionally kept in the cornerman's pockets, or in some other inefficient and unsanitary location, a hazard is created in that the items may be contaminated before they are used to treat wounds. In another example, petroleum jelly, which can be used to slow bleeding and to prevent blood from entering the eye of the fighter, is typically wiped on the back of the cornerman's hand before use. This manner of preparing the jelly allows for contamination before the fighter is treated. These storage and use methods provide unsanitary and inefficient first aid to the fighter and raise the instances of infection and other unnecessary illnesses.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

As used in this application the terms “cutman,” “cornerman,” “compartment,” “supply,” and “injury” are intended to refer to the following. However, these terms are not limited to such construction. Cornerman is defined as, but not limited to, a second to a boxer or fighter; one who displays the same abilities and responsibilities as a cutman. Cutman is defined as, but not limited to, an individual that works in a professional boxing or fighting match, who attends to cuts, abrasions, injuries, or other wounds, and prevents further damage sustained by the individual participating in the match. Compartment is defined as, but not limited to, a separate division or section which allows for the storage of one or more articles or supplies; a space in which one or more articles or supplies are enclosed in a divided area; a part or space marked or partitioned off; a separate aspect, function or the like; one of the parts or spaces into which an area is subdivided; a storage area; a sealed area; a sealed pouch; a partially sealed area; an area; a pouch; one or more storage areas; a space; a pocket; one or more areas to contain a supply; one or more areas to carry a supply; one or more areas to secure a supply; one or more areas to provide a supply; one or more areas to make available a supply. Supply is defined as, but not limited to, items; products; one or more remedies; first aid remedies; articles; articles of manufacture; one or more elements; one or more electronics; one or more pieces of equipment; one or more materials; one or more devices; one or more of any item in which an individual would enjoy use; one or more of any item which would satisfy the needs or wishes of an individual; one or more items that fill a want or need; something that is supplied; a quantity of something; an item available or sufficient for a given use. Injury is defined as, but not limited to, one or more internal or external injuries or wounds; one or more cuts; damage or harm; loss; any type of harm; one or more abrasions; one or more bruises; swelling; wounds; torn skin; cut or puncture; blunt force trauma; abrasions; infections; lacerations; diseases; illnesses or any other type of circumstance in which one requires the attention of another.

Briefly described, the subject invention, in one aspect thereof, comprises a surface adapted to be worn by a user. Furthermore, the subject invention, in an aspect, comprises a surface adapted to be worn by a user for the securing and storing of supplies via one or more compartments. More particularly, in another aspect, the invention comprises a wearable first aid kit, which can be single-use or multi-use. The first aid kit can be worn or secured on various body parts of a user, such as the forearm or wrist. In accordance with alternative aspects, the invention can be worn or secured on any portion of the body of a user (e.g., leg, waist, arm, etc.). The first aid kit can contain, carry, secure and/or store various supplies required to clean, medicate, treat and cover any injury. According to an aspect of the invention, a first aid kit is provided which is compact, lightweight and portable and allows for immediate easy access to the supplies required to treat injuries in an efficient, convenient, sanitary and speedy manner.

According to another aspect, the invention allows for injuries to be treated in an efficient and quick manner through the use of a wearable, compact and lightweight first aid kit which can be easily accessible by a user, trainer, cornerman, doctor, nurse, EMT or any other person providing first aid, thereby preventing additional complications. In an aspect, the first aid kit can contain one or more compartments where a user can store the supplies required to accomplish an efficient and quick response to injuries requiring first aid. Alternative aspects can allow a user to maintain a high level of hygiene when another is in need of quick and efficient medical attention by storing supplies or other items on the user's forearm in a compartment or a sealed/enclosed area.

In accordance with another aspect, the invention comprises a single-use first aid kit which can be made of a strong, flexible, waterproof and lightweight material, or any other material that can be worn or secured on the forearm of a user and provide the necessary aspects of the invention. In accordance with an aspect, the invention can be made from any of, or more than one of, neoprene, cotton, silicone, rubber PVC, nylon, leather, imitation leather, metals, non-metals, cotton-polyester, carinessa, thermax, polyester, tyvek, or denim. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the above materials and that any material can be used in which the spirit of the invention is followed.

According to an aspect, the invention can be adapted to be secured, attached or worn on the forearm of a user through the use of stitching, taping, one or more pieces of Velcro, one or more elastic bands, one or more pins, one or more buttons, one or more magnets or other any other securing device, method or means. In an aspect, two-part releasable attachable hook and loop surfaces on corresponding overlapping inner and outer surfaces can be provided to offer an adjustable, connectable adaptable surface to be worn by a user. For example, one or more pieces of Velcro can provide adjustable sizing of an adapted surface to be secured to a user. In an aspect, the invention comprises an elongated adapted surface to wrap around the forearm of a user, the elongated adapted surface having end portions and a central portion between said end portions wherein one or more compartments are attached.

In another aspect, the invention can also include one or more magnets, or set of magnets, to secure the surface adapted to be worn by a user to the user or attach any type of supplies or containers to the adapted surface. The one or more magnets, in an aspect, can be utilized to reinforce securing an adapted surface to the user, where one or more means of securing the surface is utilized. Furthermore, the one or more magnets, in an aspect, can reinforce the one or more compartments ability to store one or more supplies. In an aspect, the supplies or containers can be attached or secured to the adapted surface via the one or more magnets, one or more compartments or a combination of both and can contain any substance, such as petroleum jelly. Furthermore, the one or more supplies, in an aspect, can be attached or secured to the adapted surface via an enclosed compartment, a partially enclosed compartment, an elastic band or any means, method or device of securing the supplies to the adapted surface. Further aspects of storing supplies on an adapted surface are discussed herein.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a surface adapted to be worn by a user is provided which, when unwrapped, is substantially planar, elongated and lightweight so that it can be conveniently worn and secured on a user's forearm. According to another aspect, the invention can be secured, attached or worn by a user through use of a single piece of material to form and fit around the user's forearm, or other body part. The invention, in an aspect, when made out of a single piece of material, will generally form a circular shape, when viewed from an end, when not worn by the user. In another aspect, the subject invention can also be adapted or custom fit or sized to a user through means of measuring a user's forearm, or by any other means of customization, sizing, or custom making the kit, to custom fit the user's forearm. It is to be understood that the surface adapted to be worn by a user can be any dimension, size, height, width or depth necessary for providing an adapted surface to be worn by a user.

According to another aspect, the invention provides a first aid kit which can secure around the forearm of a user and make available one or more compartments to contain, carry, secure, store and/or provide one or more of gauze pads, q-tips, petroleum jelly, surgical gloves, antibiotic pads, small cylinders, electronics and any other supplies as necessary for the treatment of injuries. Other aspects can also contain one or more compartments to contain, carry, secure, store and/or provide supplies which require a one way, two way or any other type of flow valve to extract medicine or any other substance or material. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the above materials, supplies or products and that any material, supply or product can be used in which the spirit of the invention is followed.

Other aspects and embodiments of the invention are envisioned, as those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be implemented in other various combinations. It should be noted that in an aspect of the invention, the surface adapted to be worn by a user can contain one, more than one or no compartments. The one or more compartments can be attached to the adapted surface by means of stitching, taping, gluing, stapling, one or more buttons, one or more pins, one or more bands, one or more elastic bands, one or more pieces of Velcro, or any other device, method or means of attachment. In addition, the one or more compartments can be provided through the use of folding or manipulating one or more pieces of fabric to produce a compartment. The one or more compartments can be any dimension, size, height, width or depth necessary for securing and storing supplies. The one or more compartments can also be made by any other device, method or means in which the spirit of the invention is followed.

In accordance with an aspect, a first aid kit is provided which can be utilized during a boxing or fighting match and allows for a user (e.g. cornerman, team, doctor, EMT or other medical technician) to provide a more sanitized, efficient and convenient environment for treating a fighter who is in need of quick, safe, efficient medical attention. In an aspect, the invention allows a user to maintain an efficient and sanitized environment with all of the supplies necessary to control, stop and treat injuries by storing the supplies on the user's forearm. The invention allows a user to help control lacerations, reduce swelling, stop the flow of blood from open wounds and handle other injuries in a quick hygienic manner. It should be noted that the invention is not limited to use in boxing or fighting, but can also be used in other instances in which first aid, or medical attention is required (e.g. providing medical attention in a hospital, nurse's station, emergency vehicle, etc.). In addition, the invention, in other aspects, can be used in any instance in which a user would enjoy the use of a wearable article which has compartments for the storage of one or more of any supplies.

It is to be understood that, in an aspect, the subject invention is capable of providing a convenient wearable article which provides for the storage of any supply. Furthermore, it is to be understood that one or more than one user can utilize the invention at the same time to make use of the supplies stored thereon. In addition, it is to be understood that any user is envisioned as utilizing the invention. For example, doctors, hospitals, EMTs, nurses, cornermen, first aid technicians, sports competitors, teammates, coaches, the average person or any other person in which the storage of one or more supplies in a convenient manner would be beneficial. The invention, in an aspect, encompasses providing a wearable article for any user who wishes to make use of one or more supplies.

It is to be understood, however, that the subject invention is not limited to a single-use article, it also envisioned as a multi-use wearable article for providing supplies. The invention can be made of any material that can be washed, or cleaned in any manner, so that the kit can be used multiple times. Additionally, the kit can be made out of any material that can be disposed of after one use.

In another aspect, the subject invention provides a wearable article which can store, attach and/or secure any item, device, product or supply in which a user would like convenient easy, efficient access. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to use as a first aid kit and that the invention provides a method, device and means for storing, securing and making available a multitude of supplies to a user in an efficient, convenient manner by wearing the supplies on a body part of the user (e.g. the forearm, wrist, leg, waist, etc.). In an aspect, the invention can store, secure and make available other types of equipment, supplies and/or devices such as electronic equipment, watches, batteries and any other item, supply, device or product in which quick, efficient and easy access can be provided to a user.

Other aspects, advantages, and certain illustrative aspects and novel features of the invention are described herein in connection with the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following, or can be learned by practice of the invention. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the invention can be employed and the subject invention is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of an embodiment in accordance with an aspect of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment in accordance with yet another aspect of the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a diagram of user interaction with an embodiment in accordance with yet another aspect of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The forgoing as well as other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and other material, wherein like reference characters designate like parts throughout the several views. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the subject invention. It may be evident, however, that the invention can be practiced without these specific details. It should also be appreciated that although specific examples presented may describe or depict certain aspects of the subject invention, the invention is not limited to those aspects. Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the disclosed invention can be used for other purposes and in other manners other than those described.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 represents a top view of an embodiment in accordance with an aspect of the invention, represented generally at 100. The embodiment 100 contains a base 110 which provides a foundation for the securing and/or forming of various compartments 120, 130, 150, 160, 170 and 180 in which various supplies can be stored. The base 110 can, in an aspect be made of a fabric. The one or more compartments 120, 130, 150, 160, 170 and 180 can be secured to the base 110 through use of stitching, taping, seaming, gluing, one or more buttons, one or more pieces of Velcro, manipulating fabric to provide a compartment, or any other method, device or means of attachment. The base 110 and compartments 120, 130, 150, 160, 170 and 180 can comprise any type of fabric or material in which the spirit of the invention is followed (e.g. cotton, nylon, neoprene or any other material). Furthermore, the compartments 120, 130, 150, 160, 170 and 180, as illustrated and described are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. For example, no compartments, one compartment or more than one compartment can be provided. In addition, the base 110 and compartments 120, 130, 150, 160, 170 and 180 can comprise any dimension and/or size.

In an aspect, the invention provides a first aid kit which can include one or more first aid remedies/supplies. In an aspect, the embodiment 100 can include one or more compartments 120 made of elastic bands which are secured to base 110 and can be used to carry, secure and/or store any type of cylinder 121, which, for example, can be a one way extraction valve. However, it should be noted that any other extraction valve and supply, device and/or product can be utilized and stored in compartment 120. Compartment 130 is secured to base 110 and can store one or more q-tips 131. Compartment 150 is secured to base 110 and can store and make available surgical gloves or other protective articles that can be necessary when providing first aid. Compartment 160 is secured to base 110 and can store antiseptic pads, gauze pads or tissues. Compartment 170 is secured to base 110 and can store bandage scissors 171, or any other type of scissors or device that would be useful in providing fast, efficient first aid. Compartment 180 is secured to base 110 and can store one or more containers (e.g. petroleum jelly container). In an aspect, compartment 180 can contain one or more magnets 181 to secure, store and/or reinforce the one or more containers. Magnet 181 can be secured to the base 110 via glue, stitching, Velcro and/or any other method, device or means of securing. Furthermore, magnet 181 can be positioned within or beneath the base 110.

Compartments 120, 130, 150, 160, 170 and 180 can comprise elastic bands, pockets or any other means, method or device in which a compartment is made available and is able to carry and store one or more supplies. The compartments 120, 130, 150, 160, 170 and 180 are shown for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Other methods, devices and means for securing, storing and providing supplies can be used and are envisioned. The invention provides for the compartments being any size and/or customized to accommodate the supplies being stored, secured and made available to a user. Additionally, in other aspects, the invention provides for utilizing zero, one or more than one magnets or other attractive devices for storing, securing and making available supplies or medical equipment. Furthermore, the number of compartments illustrated is not intended as limiting the scope of the invention. It should be noted that zero, one or more than one compartment may be utilized. In addition, the type of compartments illustrated is not intended as limiting the scope of the invention. It should be noted that any type of compartment or compartments may be used.

The invention, in an aspect, additionally provides for the storing, securing and making available of other types of equipment, articles, supplies and/or devices such as electronic equipment, watches, batteries and any other useful item. For example, a watch can be secured, stored and made available to a user via compartment 180. It should be noted that any supply may be secured, stored and made available to a user via compartments 120, 130, 150, 160, 170 and 180.

In an aspect, a first aid kit is provided which can be secured to the forearm of a user by one or more pieces of Velcro 140. The one or more pieces of Velcro 140 can be either the hook or loop side of the Velcro, wherein the other type of the Velcro, not shown, is provided for under the base 110 and allows for the one or more pieces of Velcro 140 to secure the first aid kit to the user. The one or more pieces of Velcro 140 can be secured to the base 110 through use of glue, stitching or any other method, device or means of attachment.

In an aspect, any device, method or means of securing the base 110 and compartments 120, 130, 150, 160, 170 and 180 to a user can be used, such as glue, stitching, one or more buttons, one or more elastic bands or any other securing device, method or means. In another aspect, the base 110 can be made of a single piece of material which forms a circular area for a user to place his hand allowing the single, solid piece of material, containing the various compartments and supplies, to be worn around the user's forearm.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment in accordance with an aspect of the invention. In an aspect, a first aid kit is represented generally at 200, wherein the first aid kit 200 is worn on a user's forearm 210. The first aid kit 200 has base 220, which can be made of fabric or any other material. The first aid kit provides various compartments 230, 240, 250, 260 and 270 secured to base 220 via stitching, gluing, one or more buttons, tape, one or more pieces of Velcro, manipulating fabric to provide a compartment, or any other device, method or means of forming and securing a compartment for storing and making available one or more supplies. For example, compartment 230 can be made of one or more elastic bands which carry, secure and/or store cylinders 231 with one way extraction valves. Compartment 240 provides storage for bandage scissors 241, or any other type of scissors or device that would be useful in providing fast, efficient first aid. Compartment 250 provides storage for one or more q-tips 251. Compartment 260 can store and make available surgical gloves, antiseptic pads, gauze pads, tissues or other supplies that can be necessary when providing first aid or other treatment. Compartment 270 is provided to store one or more containers (e.g. petroleum jelly container), or electronic device (e.g. watch). Compartment 270 can contain one or more magnets (not shown) to secure and store one or more containers/supplies. The one or more magnets may be secured to the exterior of the base material 220, or can be positioned within or under the base material 220.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the number or type of compartments shown in the above figures. In an aspect, the invention provides a surface adapted to be worn by a user (e.g. a wearable article) containing zero, one or more than one compartments for storing, making available and securing one or more materials, supplies and/or pieces of equipment. Furthermore, the compartments can be used to store materials, articles, supplies, devices, products and equipment other than those shown and described.

With reference to FIG. 3, a flowchart is illustrated in accordance with an aspect of the subject invention to facilitate clarity and understanding of at least one aspect of the subject invention. While, for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the one or more methodologies shown herein, for example, in the form of a flow chart, is shown and described as a series of acts, it is to be understood and appreciated that the subject invention is not limited by the order of acts, as some acts can, in accordance with the subject invention, occur in a different order and/or concurrently with other acts other than those shown and described herein. For example, those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate that a methodology could alternatively be represented as a series of interrelated states or events. Moreover, not all illustrated acts, or in the alternative additional acts, may be required to implement a methodology in accordance with certain aspects of the subject invention. The example is not meant to limit the scope of the subject invention to the scenario and interactions described, but rather to highlight particular interactions and to aid understanding of only one embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of a method of performing first aid in accordance with an aspect of the subject invention. The method begins at START block 310 and continues to block 320 where the first aid kit is secured to a body part of a user (e.g. forearm). At block 330 the type and extent of the injury to be treated is determined. At block 340 a determination of the appropriate medical supply, equipment and/or device to treat the injury is made. At block 350 the medical supply, equipment or device is applied to the injury. At block 360 a determination is made as to if additional injuries exist. If yes, additional injuries exist, then the method returns to block 330. If no, additional injuries do not exist, then the process ends at block 370.

What has been described above includes examples of aspects of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the invention are possible. Accordingly, the disclosed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes,” “has” or “having” or variations in the form thereof are used in either the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. 

1. An article comprising: a surface adapted to be worn by a user; and at least one or more compartments attached to the surface adapted to be worn by a user, wherein the one or more compartments contain at least one supply.
 2. The article of claim 1, wherein the surface adapted to be worn by a user is adapted to be worn on the forearm of the user.
 3. The article of claim 2, wherein the one or more compartments contain one or more first aid supplies.
 4. The article of claim 3, wherein the one or more compartments contain at least one or more of gauze pads, q-tips, petroleum jelly, surgical gloves, antibiotic pads and small cylinders.
 5. The article of claim 4, wherein the article is a single use first aid kit.
 6. The article of claim 2, wherein the one or more compartments are attached to the surface adapted to be worn by a user by at least one or more of stitching, gluing, seaming, taping, one or more pieces of Velcro or one or more magnets.
 7. The article of claim 6, wherein the surface adapted to be worn by a user is secured to the user utilizing one or more pieces of Velcro.
 8. The article of claim 6, wherein the surface adapted to be worn by a user is secured to the user utilizing one or more elastic bands.
 9. The article of claim 6, wherein the surface adapted to be worn by a user is secured to the user utilizing a single piece of material which forms to the user.
 10. The article of claim 6, wherein the surface adapted to be worn by a user is custom fit to the forearm or wrist of the user.
 11. The article of claim 7, wherein the one or more compartments contain more than one supply.
 12. The article of claim 7, wherein the one or more compartments contain one or more electronic devices.
 13. The article of claim 7, wherein the surface adapted to be worn by a user and the one or more compartments are made of at least a strong, flexible, waterproof and lightweight material.
 14. The article of claim 1, further comprising one or more magnets to attach at least one supply to the surface adapted to be worn by a user.
 15. The article of claim 1, wherein the article is single or multi use.
 16. A method for administering first aid, said method comprising the steps of: identifying the needs of an injured individual; obtaining a first aid kit, the first aid kit having: a surface adapted to be worn by a user; one or more compartments attached to the surface adapted to be worn by a user, wherein the one or more compartments contain one or more supplies; securing the first aid kit to a user's forearm; locating the supply on the first aid kit required to treat the injury; and applying the supply to the injury.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the one or more compartments contain one or more electronic devices.
 18. The method of claim 16, further comprising securing the first aid kit to a user's forearm via one or more pieces of Velcro.
 19. The method of claim 16, wherein the first aid kit further comprises one or more magnets to attach one or more supplies to the surface adapted to be worn by a user.
 20. A first aid kit, comprising: a means for providing a surface adapted to be worn by a user, a means for attaching one or more compartments to the surface adapted to be worn by a user; a means for storing one or more supplies within the one or more compartments; and a means for securing the surface adapted to be worn by a user to a user's forearm. 